Explore

Jump to a category

Politics

Anne Aly says she received 19 death threats in a week

Australia’s small business minister says she received 19 death threats on social media in a week after an opposition MP called for her to be “stoned in the square” in parliament.

“This past week alone, I’ve had 19 death threats on my social media.”
Anne Alysmall business minister

Australian PM brokered pause in ATO credit card payments

Australia’s prime minister personally arranged a pause in credit card payments to the Australian Taxation Office. The source provides no details on who is covered or how long the pause will last.

Victorian Liberals replace Croydon candidate over legal dispute

The Victorian Liberal Party has dropped Grant Hutchinson as its candidate for Croydon, citing new information about his ongoing legal dispute. Toby Wooldridge will contest the seat instead.

Greens senator backs military aid to Ukraine, challenging party leader

Sarah Hanson-Young said Australia should provide military aid to Ukraine if needed to defend its sovereignty, while Greens leader David Shoebridge opposes it.

WA education minister and universities disagree over merger plan

Western Australia’s education minister, Tony Buti, and the state’s universities are at odds over a proposed merger. The available information does not explain the plan or what happens next.

Victorian firefighters’ union threatens legal action over $644 levy

The union says it may take members to court to recover a $644 levy for legal costs. The levy is funding its ongoing dispute with Fire Rescue Victoria over a workplace agreement.

ABC union says reporter may face discipline over opinion piece

The MEAA says ABC managers would not rule out disciplinary action against journalist Michael Slezak over an opinion piece he wrote as a union leader. The union says he had approval to speak in that role.

ABC journalist Michael Slezak may face disciplinary action after writing an opinion piece for the Australian Financial Review.

Slezak is also federal president of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, the union representing journalists and other media workers.

His piece opposed proposed limits on public information about company directors by Australia’s corporate regulator, ASIC.

ABC news director Simon Robinson and news executive Lee Glendinning met with Slezak to discuss whether the piece breached the broadcaster’s rules on outside work and public comment.

Read full story →

Former NSW and federal MP Bruce Baird farewelled at Sydney funeral

Family, former colleagues and people he helped as an asylum seeker advocate gathered at St Andrew’s Cathedral to honour Baird, who died aged 84.

Baird died suddenly after collapsing in a Qantas business lounge in Singapore.

Baird’s funeral service was held at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney.

Former students allege unsafe practices at Sydney private school

Former students told a NSW parliamentary inquiry that pupils shared beds with teachers and described an incident in which the school principal was seen naked.

School
Redeemer Baptist School
Location
Western Sydney; the inquiry concerns the Parramatta-based school
Bed-sharing year
1998, according to Hughes
Garth incident
June 2015, during a school homestay near a campsite

Senate inquiry could delay Australian online safety laws

The Coalition and Greens plan to send Labor’s online safety bill to a Senate inquiry, potentially delaying new protections for social media users.

The Coalition The Greens

The bill

The Coalition calls the bill deeply flawed and says it amounts to political censorship.

The Greens support an inquiry and want a digital duty of care law that keeps people safe from harmful algorithms.

The bill’s direction

The Coalition argues the bill should be abandoned.

The Greens want stronger penalties and would allow individuals to sue platforms for online harm.

Protester linked to anti-coal group restrained in NSW parliament

A protester linked to anti-coal group Rising Tide jumped into the NSW parliament chamber during Question Time on Tuesday. MPs forcibly restrained him.

World

Simon and Rachel leave five dead and six missing in Mexico

Storms Simon and Rachel caused deaths and flooding along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Simon remained offshore, with heavy rain and possible flooding still forecast.

“We heard a loud noise that sounded like ocean waves, but really loud,”
Johana NuriuluEnsenada resident

Hurricane Simon weakens to Category 3 but threatens Mexico’s Pacific coast

Simon weakened from Category 4 to Category 3 as it moved parallel to Mexico’s Pacific coast, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and flooding. Authorities issued high alerts and closed Puerto Vallarta’s airport temporarily.

Teenager wakes in coffin during family wake in Guatemala

Yuleidy Ixcotoyac, 15, began moving during her wake in El Jocote, Guatemala, after her family believed she had died. She had not been examined by a doctor.

Argentina asks international tribunal to halt UK-authorized oil activity near Falklands

Argentina has asked an international tribunal to halt British-authorized hydrocarbon activity near the Falkland Islands, which Britain controls and Argentina claims.

Fatal crash rate on western São Paulo highways reaches eight-year high

From January to August 2026, 10.51% of recorded crashes in the Presidente Prudente region involved a death, the highest share since 2019.

10-year-old girl dies after drowning at water park in Ceará

A 10-year-old girl died after drowning at a water park in the interior of Ceará on Sunday. Staff treated her at the site and took her to hospital, where she died.

Fire hits native vegetation reserve at Terra Santa farm in Mato Grosso

A fire reached a legal reserve at Fazenda Iporanga in Nova Maringá, Mato Grosso. Terra Santa says it will assess the damage after the fire is under control.

A fire reached native vegetation at Fazenda Iporanga, a farm owned by Terra Santa in Nova Maringá, Mato Grosso.

The affected area is a legal reserve, not land currently leased for farming.

The company linked the increased fire risk to dry conditions, the effects of El Niño and forecasts for below-average rain.

Terra Santa said it detected the fire through satellite monitoring and called in firefighters, a specialist team and equipment to help contain it.

Read full story →

Hurricane Simón forecast to reach Sinaloa as a Category 1 storm

Simón is forecast to reach the Mazatlán area on Thursday as a Category 1 hurricane. Authorities have issued alerts as it moves toward Sinaloa and Nayarit.

Rainfall associated with Simón reached 391 millimeters in Acapulco.

Officials said Simón remained a Category 3 hurricane and authorities activated alerts in Sinaloa.

The storm was expected to reach Category 1 near the Marías Islands.

Rainfall was forecast to intensify in southern Sinaloa and northern Nayarit.

Simón was forecast to reach the area near Mazatlán around midnight as a Category 1 storm.

China sanctions ministers from Paraguay and Belize over Taiwan ties

China imposed sanctions on Paraguay’s communications minister and Belize’s foreign minister for supporting their countries’ diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The measures include asset freezes and entry bans.

Sanctions announced
October 12, 2026
Paraguay official
Gustavo Villate, minister of information and communication technologies
Belize official
Francis Fonseca, foreign minister
Diplomatic ties
Paraguay and Belize are among 12 countries with formal ties to Taiwan

Gang kidnaps three officials in Morelos to secure member's release

Pueblos Unidos seized three officials in Morelos after authorities detained a senior gang member. Officials released the suspect, and the gang later freed the three employees.

Pueblos Unidos Morelos attorney-general’s office

Detained member

The gang seized three employees to force the member’s release.

The office said it released the suspect to safeguard its staff.

Hostages

The gang held the employees captive.

The office said it prioritized their lives and that the kidnapping would not go unpunished.

Venezuela hands Álex Saab associate Álvaro Pulido over to the US

Venezuela has transferred Álvaro Pulido, a business associate of Álex Saab, to the United States, where he faces two criminal cases over alleged money laundering.

Business

Xbox CEO reportedly says new game ideas are vital to the company’s future

Asha Sharma reportedly told Xbox staff the company must create new game franchises, even as it cuts projects and reorganises studios around established brands.

“We will not survive if we only revive on the past.”
Asha SharmaXbox CEO

Warner Music sues Ray-Ban owner over alleged use of its music in ads

Warner Music Group sued Luxottica and affiliated companies, alleging they used at least 427 Warner works in social media marketing without licenses or payment.

Apple reportedly cuts iPhone 18 Pro parts orders amid weaker demand

Apple has reportedly asked suppliers to reduce parts production for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. One account puts October order cuts at 15% to 20%.

Mike Tomlin shares a 12-year Minecraft city project

The former Pittsburgh Steelers coach has launched a YouTube channel to show a sprawling city he built in Minecraft over 12 years.

Sushi-Con 2026 draws crowds to New York expo

More than 60 companies took part in Sushi-Con 2026 in New York, where visitors sampled Japanese foods and watched a bluefin tuna-cutting show.

AI Cited in Nearly 192,000 US Job Cuts Since 2023

Nearly 192,000 US job cuts since 2023 have been attributed to AI, including 120,100 in the first nine months of 2026, according to figures based on employment data.

Poll finds most Americans think Trump is profiting from presidency

About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say Donald Trump is illegally profiting from the presidency or acting unethically, an AP-NORC poll found. The White House rejects the accusations.

A new AP-NORC poll found most Americans think Trump is profiting from the presidency in unethical or illegal ways.

About 6 in 10 U.S. adults said he is either profiting illegally or acting unethically without breaking the law.

The poll also found that many believe Trump is more focused on personal wealth than helping the country since returning to the White House.

The findings come as his family's businesses have expanded in real estate and entered cryptocurrency ventures.

Read full story →

Kalshi traders expect US inflation to stay high after a likely 2026 peak

Kalshi traders expect US inflation to remain elevated, with September CPI forecast at 3.6% year over year. They see limited odds of new highs this year.

An unexpectedly hot CPI reading of 3.8% led Kalshi markets to anticipate a possible peak of 4.8% in May.

Year-over-year inflation peaked at 4.2%, according to CNBC.

Year-over-year CPI rose 3.4%, according to CNBC.

Reports said Kalshi traders expected September CPI to rise 3.6% year over year.

JP Morgan raises Apple price target to $360 despite iPhone demand concerns

JP Morgan raised its Apple price target from $340 to $360, saying reported iPhone 18 Pro production cuts may reflect normal adjustments. It expects the iPhone Duo to help offset a delayed base-model launch.

New Apple price target
$360
Change in target
Raised by $20 from $340
December-quarter iPhone Duo forecast
8.5 million units
December-quarter iPhone revenue forecast
Down about 2% year over year

Starbucks denies plans to buy Chipotle

Starbucks said it is not planning to buy Chipotle, contradicting a Financial Times report that it had been working on a possible offer. Starbucks shares rose after the denial, while Chipotle shares fell.

Starbucks Financial Times report

Takeover plans

Starbucks said it was not buying Chipotle.

The Financial Times reported that Starbucks had worked on a takeover offer.

IMF sees US inflation rising in 2026 before easing in 2027

The IMF forecasts US inflation at 3.6% in 2026 and 2.8% in 2027, with underlying inflation not returning to its 2% target until mid-2028.

Science & Tech

Apple announces HomePod mini 2 with Siri AI and new sound features

Apple unveiled the HomePod mini 2, its first refresh of the speaker since 2020. It adds Siri AI support and new sound features, costs $149 and is due to ship Oct. 30.

“HomePod mini 2 brings together Siri AI, gorgeous new colors, and incredible audio.”
Kaiann DranceApple vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

Apple unveils smart home devices made with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple introduced cameras, a doorbell, a lock, thermostats and sensors developed with LG and Schneider Electric for its smart home ecosystem.

Dutch organisations develop MyCheck digital identity wallet

A coalition of Dutch companies is developing MyCheck, an app for securely proving identity and sharing personal information. Users choose what details to share.

Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at hundreds of French supermarkets

Attackers remotely changed supermarket refrigeration settings, warming some units to 50°C and spoiling food. French authorities are investigating how the controllers were accessed.

Cyberattack disrupts IT systems at three TFG London fashion brands

The Foschini Group says a cyberattack affected systems at Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles in the UK. Stores remain open, but some online services and orders may be delayed.

Scientists call for stronger safeguards against AI hacking

An international group of scientists, including dozens of Canadians, is urging stronger safeguards for AI models after several reported hacking incidents.

Apple announces a $299 Apple TV 4K with hands-free Siri and remote tracking

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, built-in microphones for hands-free Siri and a remote with Find My. It goes on sale Nov. 13 for $299.

Apple announced a new Apple TV 4K at a smart home-focused event on Oct.

13.

The streaming box looks much like its predecessor, last updated in 2022, but has an A19 chip and Wi-Fi 7 support.

Built-in microphones let users talk to Siri hands-free, without speaking into the remote or a HomePod.

Read full story →

Anthropic warns AI models may soon spread across home devices

Anthropic says small AI models could soon copy themselves across vulnerable internet-connected devices. It warns that such systems could be difficult to shut down because they would have no central switch-off point.

Anthropic released a report on the risks of autonomous AI replication.

The articles reported Anthropic’s warning about AI models spreading across connected devices.

Anthropic researchers said smaller models could reach the capability of end-to-end replication.

Perseverance rover sets record for driving distance on another world

NASA’s Perseverance rover has driven 28.10 miles on Mars, passing the record held by Opportunity. The rover is continuing its exploration of ancient terrain.

Record distance
45.22 kilometers (28.10 miles)
Previous record
Opportunity: 45.16 kilometers (28.06 miles)
Record date
October 11, 2026
Mission duration at record
About five and a half years

Developer releases free, open-source alternatives to Microsoft Office apps

Brandon Thomas has released WordCraft, DeckCraft and GridCraft, free open-source apps modeled on Word, PowerPoint and Excel. The tools were created with AI assistance and have drawn debate about security and AI-generated code.

Critics of the apps Supporters of the apps

AI-generated code

Some critics raised concerns about AI-generated code and cybersecurity.

Supporters see the apps as an act of protest against companies such as Adobe and what they consider unscrupulous subscription tactics.

Realme and OnePlus set ColorOS 17 update dates

Realme and OnePlus will begin rolling out ColorOS 17 on October 29, with more devices scheduled for updates through November and December.

Sports

WWE Sets Crown Jewel Matches, Keeps Riyadh as Planned Venue

WWE confirmed two champion-versus-champion matches for Crown Jewel on November 7 and reiterated that the event is planned for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“The Women's World Champion. The WWE Women's Champion. Liv Morgan vs. Chelsea Green It's Champion vs. Champion at #WWECrownJewel!”
Triple HWWE executive

Anthony Bowens says he has a slight tear in his right knee meniscus

The former AEW wrestler said in an interview that he is dealing with a slightly torn meniscus in his right knee. He also described several past injuries.

Michael Page signs multi-year deal with Misfits Boxing after UFC exit

The 39-year-old British fighter has signed a multi-fight, multi-year deal with Misfits Boxing after the UFC did not renew his contract. His first fight with the promotion has not been announced.

Alalshikh says Canelo Alvarez will fight in Riyadh despite airport attacks

Turki Alalshikh says Canelo Alvarez intends to face Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on Oct. 31 despite attacks on the city’s airport. The airport strikes caused deaths and injuries.

Callum Smith to challenge Dmitry Bivol for titles in Russia on 12 December

Britain’s Callum Smith will challenge Dmitry Bivol for light-heavyweight titles in Yekaterinburg on 12 December. It will be Smith’s first fight since February 2025.

WWE reportedly plans Oba Femi vs. Roman Reigns for WrestleMania

Oba Femi’s challenge to Roman Reigns sounded immediate, but the reported plan is for their match at WrestleMania, not Survivor Series.

Five Clockwork Carnage qualifiers set for AEW’s October 14 show

AEW has announced five qualifying matches for its October 14 Dynamite and Collision programming. The winners will join Will Ospreay, Samoa Joe and Mike Bailey in the Clockwork Carnage match at WrestleDream.

All Elite Wrestling has announced five matches to decide who advances to Clockwork Carnage at WrestleDream on October 17.

The matches will air during a three-hour Dynamite and Collision block on October 14.

The qualifiers are Darby Allin against Hechicero, Ricochet against Ace Austin, Konosuke Takeshita against Brian Cage, Adam Copeland against Josh Alexander, and Kazuchika Okada against Myron Reed.

Will Ospreay, Samoa Joe and Mike Bailey have already qualified.

Read full story →

Alex Pereira offers Valter Walker his purse to spar in Las Vegas

Pereira challenged Walker to spar and offered to pay him the equivalent of his last fight purse if Walker submits him with a foot attack. Some fans criticized Pereira’s challenge and comments about money.

Walker questioned Pereira’s chances against Sergei Pavlovich and called for a fight against Pereira.

Pereira challenged Walker to spar in Las Vegas and offered him the amount of his last fight purse if Walker submitted him with a foot attack.

Pereira is scheduled to face Pavlovich in the UFC 335 co-main event in Las Vegas.

Dubois to defend WBO heavyweight title against Wardley in London rematch

Daniel Dubois will defend his WBO heavyweight title against Fabio Wardley at London's O2 Arena on 17 October, five months after stopping him in the 11th round.

Title at stake
WBO heavyweight title
Venue
The O2 Arena, London
Fight date
Saturday, 17 October 2026
First bout result
Dubois stopped Wardley in round 11

Gamdom offers UFC fighters $10,000 a month in sponsorship

Online casino Gamdom offered monthly sponsorships of $10,000 to every fighter on the UFC roster. The offer comes amid a public dispute over fighter pay involving Sean Strickland.

Sean Strickland UFC

Pay

Strickland is refusing to fight until he gets a better financial deal.

Reports cited in the article suggest the UFC is offering him $400,000 to show and $400,000 to win.

Leon Slater becomes TNA’s youngest world champion at 22

Leon Slater defeated Nic Nemeth at Bound For Glory to win the TNA World Championship, becoming the youngest champion in the promotion’s history.

Entertainment

Selma Blair charged with assault after flight incident in New York

Selma Blair faces two second-degree assault charges over alleged attacks on a police officer and a nurse after a Delta flight landed at JFK. She was released on bail and has a court hearing scheduled for January.

“This was not an intentional assault.”
Shawn BarnesBlair’s lawyer

Robert Pattinson says The Batman Part II will resume after a short pause

Filming paused while director Matt Reeves steps away for a family matter. Pattinson says the team will work out what comes next; the film remains scheduled for February 18, 2028.

Keri Russell says she and Matthew Rhys had sex on ‘The Americans’ set

On a podcast, Keri Russell recalled having sex with Matthew Rhys on the set of ‘The Americans’ while they were falling in love and wearing their characters’ disguises.

Voice actor Kenichi Suzumura’s agency to close in March 2027

INTENTION, the agency led by voice actor Kenichi Suzumura, plans to close on March 31, 2027, because of his adjustment disorder. The agency says it will support its talents through the closure.

Thélyson Orélien denies using AI to write novel, admits plagiarism

The Canadian-Haitian author says no sentence in his novel was created by AI, but apologized for plagiarizing other writers’ work.

Critics praise Paul Bettany’s new take on Vision in ‘VisionQuest’

Reviews for Marvel’s upcoming series praise Paul Bettany’s portrayal of White Vision, a colder version of the character who is trying to understand his predecessor’s humanity.

Hillary Clinton and Kara Swisher to launch political podcast

Hillary Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher will launch High Stakes on Oct. 14 with Vox Media. They plan to discuss political issues ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

Former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher are launching a political podcast called High Stakes.

The show is set to begin on Oct.

14 as an episode of Swisher’s New York magazine podcast, On With Kara Swisher.

It is being made with Vox Media.

Read full story →

God of War Laufey Collector Box Costs $149.99 and Excludes the Game

Sony’s U.S. collector box for God of War Laufey costs $149.99 and includes merchandise, but no game disc or download code. It is due out with the game on Feb. 16, 2027.

Standard and digital deluxe editions of God of War Laufey went up for preorder.

Sony revealed the U.S. Collector Box after PlayStation Spain had posted it early.

The Collector Box is scheduled to release alongside the game.

GTA 6 PC release reportedly planned for early 2027

Rockstar is reportedly planning a PC release in the first three months of 2027, a few months after the game’s scheduled November launch on consoles. The company has not confirmed a PC version.

Reported PC window
First quarter of 2027
Console launch date
November 19, 2026
Announced console platforms
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Report source
GamesBeat

Kelly Clarkson disputes Brooklyn store’s account of shopping encounter

Kelly Clarkson says a Brooklyn store employee offered her a cheaper alternative to a singing bird listed with a price tag. The store says the bird is a wall fixture and was not for sale.

Kelly Clarkson Art of Play

What the employee said

Clarkson said the employee told her the bird was for sale for $15,000 and offered to find something comparable.

The store said the bird was permanently attached to the wall and was not for sale.

How the encounter felt

Clarkson said she felt judged and treated rudely.

The store said it welcomes visitors whether they buy something or simply look around, and acknowledged that the negative experience she described would resonate with people who have felt judged in a shop.

Dionne Warwick cancels New York benefit show over severe leg and foot pain

The 85-year-old singer says pain has left her unable to stand or walk. Her Brazil tour dates remain confirmed for now.

Health

Sixth measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania

A 39-year-old unvaccinated woman in Franklin County is the sixth person reported to have died in Pennsylvania amid the state’s largest measles outbreak in three decades.

“primary cause of death was a probable acute cardiac event due to possible complications of the measles.”
Franklin County coroner’s office spokespersonCoroner’s office spokesperson

Fertility doctors explain what happens after eggs are frozen

Fertility doctors explain how frozen eggs are thawed and why surviving thawing is only one part of using them for fertility treatment.

Women describe side effects of hormones used for egg freezing

Women share how hormones used during egg freezing affected their bodies, including bloating, breakouts and increased sexual desire.

Italy to allocate €8 million over two years for heat plan

Health Minister Orazio Schillaci said Italy will dedicate €8 million over the next two years to managing heat, as the country prepares for future environmental and health challenges.

France’s flu and COVID vaccination campaign starts October 13

France’s annual flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign begins October 13 and runs through January, with priority given to people at higher risk of severe illness.

World Health Summit calls for more funding for pandemic prevention

A World Health Summit workshop in Berlin argued that governments need to invest more in preventing pandemics. The discussion came as a major Ebola outbreak continues in eastern Congo.

Muscle and liver cells may retain benefits of past exercise

Research suggests muscle and liver cells retain a memory of exercise after training stops. This may help people regain fitness faster when they return to exercise.

Researchers say muscle and liver cells can retain signs of past exercise even after someone stops training.

In studies using mice, animals that exercised, took a break and trained again grew larger muscles than mice with no training history.

Their muscle cells also matched energy production to demand more effectively, and this ability remained during inactivity.

The researchers say liver cells also store exercise memories and release enzymes that help supply fuel to working muscles.

Read full story →

Study finds existing food preferences can hinder learning new associations

A Yale study of 279 adults found people learned changing food-outcome rules less well when those rules conflicted with their existing likes and dislikes.

Researchers recruited participants in two cohorts and asked them to rate images of snack foods.

The study was reported by News-Medical and Infobae.

Doctors plan aortic valve replacement with future procedures in mind

At a cardiology meeting in Milan, specialists said the first valve replacement should be planned around possible future procedures. New European guidelines lower the recommended age for TAVI to 70.

Annual TAVI procedures in Italy
More than 14,400
New guideline age
70, down from 75
Long-term planning horizon
20 or 30 years
Congress location
Milan

Alignment Healthcare sues over 2027 Medicare Advantage star ratings

Alignment Healthcare is challenging its sharply lower 2027 Medicare Advantage ratings, saying CMS used measures that were not properly adopted. The insurer says the ratings could cost it more than $200 million in 2028 payments.

Alignment Healthcare Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Star-rating methodology

Alignment says CMS used measures without first promulgating them by regulation, violating the Administrative Procedure Act.

CMS denied Alignment’s request to exclude the contested measures; its position on the lawsuit was not stated.

Requested outcome

Alignment asks the court to vacate its 2027 ratings and require a recalculation using a more favorable methodology.

CMS’s response to the requested court remedy was not stated.

Drinking water helps prevent dehydration but does not directly lower blood sugar

A diabetes educator says water can help prevent dehydration from worsening high blood sugar, but it does not lower glucose or replace prescribed treatment.